1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 2,267 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. (80 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1955 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 275 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1955 Sunbeam Alpine (163 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1955 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1955 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mazda | Sunbeam |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2267 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
